Obituary for Ralph John Smith
Ralph John Smith, loving husband, devoted father and adoring grandfather, passed away suddenly at home on June 4, 2023.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sandra, their children Kimberly Wozniak (Tyler), Jason Smith (Leah) and Krista Fraser-Kruck (Adam), and his cherished grandchildren Cole, Emily, Jeremy, Ollie, Bruce and Peter. He is also survived by his siblings Isabel Sali, Bernice Smith, Margaret Meehan (Pat) and Dan Smith (Carol). In addition to his immediate family, Ralph leaves behind in-laws, Henrietta Smith, Lloyd Zimmerman and Lynda Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents John and Emily Schmidt, as well as his parents-in-law, John and Goldie Mohr and his siblings Florence Gottfried (Adam), John Smith (Ruth), Lawrence Schmidt (Jean), George Smith, Bill Smith (Bev), Josephine Zimmerman, Ernie Smith, Wilson Schmidt, as well as his in-laws John Sali and Mike Glorsasky, and nephew Robin Smith.
Ralph was born on November 24, 1945 in Dysart, Saskatchewan and grew up on the family farm until moving to Regina to attend university. Ralph worked in the Saskatchewan Credit Union System upon graduation.
In 1972 Ralph and Sandra met and married. They started their family in 1974 with the birth of their daughter Kimberly, followed by their son Jason in 1976 and daughter Krista in 1981.
Ralph’s involvement in politics began while attending University. He served as President of the SRC from 1967-1968. Ralph was actively involved in politics from his University days until the family relocated to Winnipeg.
Ralph was a tireless volunteer who dedicated himself to helping the community. He was involved in every activity his children participated in - from managing hockey teams, coaching softball and greater responsibilities including the River East Minor Hockey Association board and President of the Red River Figure Skating Club. Ralph was instrumental in the development of the Manitoba Competitive Training Centre for Figure Skating at the Dakota Community Centre which is continuing to benefit the skating community today.
Growing up on the farm, Ralph had a fondness for gardening both vegetables and flowers. In their long-time house on Kimberly, Ralph developed beautiful flower gardens, and when Kimberly and Tyler bought an acreage, he cultivated a large vegetable garden that he tended every summer. Being the generous person he was, everyone got a share of the harvest.
In 2004 Ralph and Sandra bought land in Lee River and built the family cottage. He loved having family and friends visit. Many family gatherings and great memories were made in the time the family spent at the cottage.
After a long and dedicated career in Human Resources with the Government of Manitoba,
Ralph retired in 2010. He also celebrated his 65th birthday surrounded by friends and family.
Ralph and Sandra travelled extensively after Ralph’s retirement, visiting the United Kingdom, Russia, and many countries in Europe. Ralph’s favourite spot was Kauai, Hawaii and visited many times with friends and family.
In keeping with Ralph’s wishes no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or Diabetes Canada.
The family would like to thank E.J Coutu Funeral Home for their support through this difficult time.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sandra, their children Kimberly Wozniak (Tyler), Jason Smith (Leah) and Krista Fraser-Kruck (Adam), and his cherished grandchildren Cole, Emily, Jeremy, Ollie, Bruce and Peter. He is also survived by his siblings Isabel Sali, Bernice Smith, Margaret Meehan (Pat) and Dan Smith (Carol). In addition to his immediate family, Ralph leaves behind in-laws, Henrietta Smith, Lloyd Zimmerman and Lynda Smith, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents John and Emily Schmidt, as well as his parents-in-law, John and Goldie Mohr and his siblings Florence Gottfried (Adam), John Smith (Ruth), Lawrence Schmidt (Jean), George Smith, Bill Smith (Bev), Josephine Zimmerman, Ernie Smith, Wilson Schmidt, as well as his in-laws John Sali and Mike Glorsasky, and nephew Robin Smith.
Ralph was born on November 24, 1945 in Dysart, Saskatchewan and grew up on the family farm until moving to Regina to attend university. Ralph worked in the Saskatchewan Credit Union System upon graduation.
In 1972 Ralph and Sandra met and married. They started their family in 1974 with the birth of their daughter Kimberly, followed by their son Jason in 1976 and daughter Krista in 1981.
Ralph’s involvement in politics began while attending University. He served as President of the SRC from 1967-1968. Ralph was actively involved in politics from his University days until the family relocated to Winnipeg.
Ralph was a tireless volunteer who dedicated himself to helping the community. He was involved in every activity his children participated in - from managing hockey teams, coaching softball and greater responsibilities including the River East Minor Hockey Association board and President of the Red River Figure Skating Club. Ralph was instrumental in the development of the Manitoba Competitive Training Centre for Figure Skating at the Dakota Community Centre which is continuing to benefit the skating community today.
Growing up on the farm, Ralph had a fondness for gardening both vegetables and flowers. In their long-time house on Kimberly, Ralph developed beautiful flower gardens, and when Kimberly and Tyler bought an acreage, he cultivated a large vegetable garden that he tended every summer. Being the generous person he was, everyone got a share of the harvest.
In 2004 Ralph and Sandra bought land in Lee River and built the family cottage. He loved having family and friends visit. Many family gatherings and great memories were made in the time the family spent at the cottage.
After a long and dedicated career in Human Resources with the Government of Manitoba,
Ralph retired in 2010. He also celebrated his 65th birthday surrounded by friends and family.
Ralph and Sandra travelled extensively after Ralph’s retirement, visiting the United Kingdom, Russia, and many countries in Europe. Ralph’s favourite spot was Kauai, Hawaii and visited many times with friends and family.
In keeping with Ralph’s wishes no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or Diabetes Canada.
The family would like to thank E.J Coutu Funeral Home for their support through this difficult time.